Setting their stall out for the first time is The Backyard Casanovas with Backyard Stomp. A debut album conceived after a few practice sessions, followed by a couple of live performances, before being captured on film by Bopflix Films, not to mention a few rounds of a local homebrew to ensure morale was at its highest, to realise that there may just be something in this new project.
While new may not be highly accurate when piecing together the details concerning The Backyard Casanovas because they have been a part of the 50’s rhythm and blues scene for some time. Having founded during 2018 in Bonn, Germany, the four-piece band can normally be seen and heard supporting Cat Lee King with additional title bestowed to them “…and his Cocks”. Therefore, with normal duties on vacation for the time being, The Backyard Casanovas position themselves under the spotlight for their debut album Backyard Stomp.
Taking inspiration from delta-blues and leaning on heroes as Hound Dog Taylor or ramshackle rockabilly ramblings of Hasil Adkins for example, The Backyard Casanovas of Tommy J. Croole (Vocals/Lead Guitar), Sidney Ramone (Rhythm Guitar/Percussion), Lucky Luciano (Double Bass), and Rene Lieutenant (Drums) also know how to write a tune of their own with many songs being original compositions included on Backyard Stomp.
That said, it’s a cover of Hop Wilson & his Chickens’ (or Two Buddies’) ‘Chicken Stuff’ as the chosen song that starts proceedings; a predominantly instrumental track, as raw as they come, and one guaranteeing a wake-up call for the local neighbourhood coop. From there, ‘Be My Love’ offers a different paradigm with lyrics pleading in nature, but the instruments remain hot, complete with powerful vocals. Tying in appropriately ‘You Don’t Give A Damn’, gives the impression of indolence via its rhythm when, in fact, it’s subtly digging at the heartstrings in realization that any such feelings are not going to be reciprocated. An early highlight, and one that snarls quietly and contains standout guitar with some red-hot breaks. Whereas the detailed and steadily brewing ball of noise ‘I Ain’t Botherin’ Nobody’ is content with its own company, and therefore sees the band presenting another different standpoint.
One element that is highly appealing is the frayed edges of most of the material presented, which provides the songs with great charm. The band also add to such an impression with their dapper attire yet there’s a lingering sense of a few unkempt edges just waiting around the corner and likely tucked under those shirt sleeves!
With songs providing many expressions, and told via examples of the guitars or mannerisms of the vocals exemplified by such delights as ‘Hey Sweet Lady’, to seriously-gritty ‘Geronimo Rock ‘N’ Roll’, or bass slappin’ intro ‘Buzz Back Home’ driving its message via direct and repetitive looped guitar and full-circle nature of its lyrical content, The Backyard Casanovas make the simplistic sound detailed and this is to their credit, but also demonstrates their years together where experience is paying off. This is the quality of The Backyard Casanovas and their assured and highly engaging debut record, Backyard Stomp. Nathan Olsen-Haines (Rhythm Bomb Records)
Backyard StompTracklist:
Chicken Stuff
Be My Love
You Don’t Give A Damn
I Ain’t Botherin’ Nobody
Hey Sweet Lady
Geronimo Rock ‘N’ Roll
Buzz Back Home
Evil Woman
Big Fat Mama
Scratchin’
Lucy Mae Blues
Take Five
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